EDINBURGH
Considered architecture for substantial homes in Edinburgh.
Founded in 1993, Somner Macdonald Architects is among Edinburgh’s longest-established residential architecture practices. From our studio at 1A Brougham Place, we create bold, enduring homes shaped by clarity, care and a deep understanding of the city.
Our work spans whole-house restorations, transformative extensions and bespoke new homes. We bring the same architectural ambition to a substantial period property as to the opportunity to create something entirely new, considering the house, interiors and garden together.
Restoring character, making room for contemporary life.
Edinburgh’s historic homes ask for a careful balance of conservation and change. At Barnton Avenue, the original proportions and clarity of a family home were restored while making space for the practical demands of daily life. At Hermitage Drive, a full refurbishment and ambitious contemporary extension brought new generosity to an Arts and Crafts house.
Our experience also encompasses listed city homes, including Frederick Street and Moray Place, where historic fabric and contemporary comfort are considered together.
Generous plots and the possibility of something new.
A substantial garden or complex urban plot can invite a fresh architectural response. At Kilgraston Road in The Grange, understanding the ground levels and relationship between house, street and garden was central to the transformation.
We welcome conversations about bespoke new homes, ambitious extensions and whole-house projects in Cramond, Barnton, The Grange, The Braids, Juniper Green, Inverleith, Trinity, Morningside and Greenhill. Each proposal begins with the particular site and brief, exploring orientation, privacy, landscape and the opportunities and constraints of its setting.
From first conversation to a well-made home.
Our process brings creative ambition and practical knowledge together, from early feasibility and concept design through technical resolution and construction. We work closely with clients, consultants and craftspeople, with careful attention to materials, detailing and long-term usefulness.
If you are considering a substantial home project in Edinburgh, introduce us to your property or site. You can also explore our work in East Lothian.
Projects
Explore selected residential projects from Edinburgh and beyond, from carefully conserved city homes to ambitious transformations of house and garden.
Our project Index offers a wider view of more than three decades of residential work across Edinburgh, East Lothian and Scotland.
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![A backyard with a grassy lawn, shrubbery, and a large tree with orange and yellow leaves. In the background are multi-story stone and brick houses with chimneys and windows.]()
Stafford House
2026
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![Cozy living room with a wood-burning stove in a fireplace, decorated with framed artwork, a vase with dried flowers, and a lamp on a side table. A small black and white cat sits on a green upholstered armchair, and a brown sofa with assorted pillows is partially visible. The room features warm lighting, a textured beige wall, and hardwood floors.]()
Frederick Street
2026
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![A wooden bench situated outside next to a stone wall and a door. On the wall, there are two round signs with the text "Sommer Macadamia".]()
Brougham Place
2025
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![A stone house with multiple chimneys, trees, a black fence, and a sidewalk with two people riding a scooter are visible. A tall streetlight stands in front of the house, and dark clouds are in the sky.]()
Kilgraston Road
2025
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![Modern brick house corner with arched white doors, a small garden, and a stone walkway.]()
Barnton Avenue
2024
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![Modern house with large glass windows, brick terrace, and surrounding garden.]()
Hermitage Drive
2024
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![Modern staircase with wooden paneling, leading to built-in bookshelves at the top. The shelves hold books and decorative items, including a plant.]()
Craiglockhart Terrace
2021
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![Modern brick house with large windows, sliding glass door, and lush garden.]()
Woodsome Road
2022
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![Modern kitchen interior with stone wall, pendant light, and sleek cabinetry featuring an induction cooktop. Wooden flooring and an adjacent living room are visible.]()
Drem Farm
2024
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![Modern kitchen interior with black island, minimalist decor, dark hanging light, open shelving, houseplants, and light wood flooring.]()
North Park Terrace
2024
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![Modern kitchen with green cabinets, wooden floors, and two green support columns, featuring large windows overlooking a garden.]()
Seaview Crescent
2024
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![Modern living room with two gray sofas facing each other, colorful pillows, a geometric patterned carpet, a central glass coffee table, a fireplace with art above, built-in bookshelves, and large windows.]()
Moray Place
2016
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![Modern exterior door with brown panels and stone building facade, surrounded by a stone pathway and small garden.]()
Abbotsford Park
2015
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![Wooden wall paneling with vertical slats and recessed lighting; geometric patterned floor tiles.]()
Links Road
2024
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